Ranking of the best backgrounds for photography studio in 2020

The background in photo studios plays a huge role in creating not only professional and high-quality photos, but also beautiful ones. Therefore, the challenge for every photographer is to organize a decent background for the shoot. From the list of the variety of color palette and texture, this is not easy to do. How to choose the right background and will be discussed.

Types of backgrounds for photo studios

The presence of a huge number of photographic studios can be combined into several main groups. This distribution depends on the choice of the background for filming in them. A detailed description of each photo background will help novice photographers decide on the style of work, and useful information for those who want to get good photographs.

Paper backgrounds

Paper backdrops are a good option not only for photography studios, but also for aspiring home photographers. It received wide application and popularity due to its features:

• Lack of texture;
• Matte paper;
• Dense and flexible material;
• Color palette;
• Do not need cleaning;
• The cheapest option.

The lack of texture allows you to focus only on the work object. Those. the lens is not distracting. The most common color for photographs is white. It makes it possible to shoot objects of any color (except white).

Matte paper promotes even distribution of light and prevents glare from light.

The dense and flexible material gives an even base and smooth transitions in places of bends (for example, transition to the floor).

The color palette allows you to show your imagination and solve any task for the photographer.

Due to the fact that the paper background quickly gets dirty and wipes from shoes, it does not need to be cleaned. The damaged area is simply cut off. This feature can be attributed to the disadvantages, as quickly deteriorating material.

There is a subspecies of paper background - vinyl. Has the same characteristics as paper material, but surpasses it in strength.

Specifications

There are several sizes of paper available for the photography studio background. They are sold in rolls with the following characteristics:

1. Width - 2.7 m, length - 11 m;

Used by studios not only for single shots, but also for group shoots. These models are the most popular among the rest of the paper ones. The weight of such a coil reaches 6 kg.

2. Width - 2.7 m, length - 25 m or 46 m;

Such sizes, most often, are produced in a specific color scheme: white, black, all shades of gray. Setting such a background replaces the two standard ones.

3. Width - 3.6 m, length - 30 m;

The purpose of the background is group photography or large objects.

4. Width - 1.37 m, length - 11 m;

Such canvases are suitable for home photo shoots, and professionals use them for portrait work.

5. Width 0.67 m, length - 11 m;

The purpose of this background is subject photography.

Manufacturers

Firms producing paper backgrounds for photographic studios are scattered around the world. Some of the best manufacturers are companies:

• Lastolite firm (Great Britain);
• Colorama firm (Italy);
• Superior company (USA);
• Savage firm (Russia);

Prices

On the example of one type of studio background made of paper, a comparative analysis of the above companies by purchase price is provided.

The background color is super white. Size - 2.7 by 11 m. The average cost of the goods is taken (the amount is indicated in Russian rubles):

• Colorama firm: cost - about 5900 rubles;
• Lastolite: cost - about 5440 rubles;
• Superior firm cost - about 4350 rubles;
• Firm Savage cost - about 4190 rubles.

All rolls go on a cardboard tube and packed in a box. Roll weight in the limit of 6 kg.

Installation

Special mechanical structures and systems are used to install paper backgrounds. Most often these are brackets with holders or a mechanism, like a gate.

Setting paper backgrounds in three colors.

The background for the bracket is fixed in two places. Unwinding is done manually or automatically.

In the second case, the structure resembles an arch of the gate: a crossbar on 2 posts. Deployed using the control panel. Most often, this design is used for fabric backgrounds.

Fabric backgrounds

Fabric backgrounds are easy to use and, in their characteristics, differ little from the paper version. They rank second after them. However, they also have their own unique nuances:

• Multiple use;
• Economy;
• Rich palette;
• The presence of a picture;
• The property of elasticity.

The service life of fabric backgrounds is much higher compared to paper canvases. In case of contamination, it is sufficient to wash them, which saves budget. However, there is a drawback to this process: color loss. Each cleaning of the fabric washes out the color and the material loses its original brightness. As for the white background: the appearance of yellowness; it is not always possible to remove stains.

For a photo shoot, not only plain material is used, but also with the presence of patterns or even paintings depicted on the fabric. It is easiest to use this material at home. The background can be, for example, curtains.

Fabric spotted background.

Fabrics have a rich palette, but not as varied as paper.

Due to its elasticity, the fabric background covers any surface. It is also possible to make intricate reliefs and patterns, which will make photography an unforgettable experience.

Types of background fabrics

The type of fabric depends on the property of the material, its density and the presence of a frame.

Background material: cotton, synthetics, calico and veil. The most common of these is the cotton version.

Density is measured in kg per sq. meter. The denser the fabric, the longer it will last.

The cotton background with an abstract pattern is called "muslin". It has the following properties:

• very dense fabric;
• soft;
• fairly lightweight material.

The background is made from a single piece. Muslin is used by photographers as a drapery to create a more natural and seemingly casual background.

Attached to the crossbar using a special sewn sleeve. Simply folds up for easy transport. Suitable for filming not only in the studio, but also for field work.

The use of a fabric backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

A framed fabric background is a material with a built-in metal base. They are sold in the form of geometric shapes: oval, rectangle. Due to its size, it is impossible to wash it, but the existing stains can be removed using special products and a brush.

Over time, this problem was solved, and fabric folding backgrounds began to be produced. Their feature is that they take up little space and are easily transported in a car.

There are separate frames that are stretched with fabric sewn for it (they look like covers).The main style of working with such a background is portrait photography and photographing children. Well used for photography on the road.

An improved type of frame type is a spring background. It unfolds instantly and leaves no creases, creating a perfectly flat surface.

A frameless fabric background is a seamless fabric that has a fold on one side. When fastened, the fold allows you to hang the canvas evenly, without sagging. It can be used in any genre of photography.

Specifications

The cost of fabric studio backgrounds depends on their characteristics.

Fabric backgrounds.

Coarse calico background: width - 3 m, length - 6 m, weight - 2.4 kg. Plain weave makes the fabric strong and durable. It is not deformed during washing, retains color, does not fade. One-piece fabric is lightweight and can be easily transported. Designed for work in studios or on location shooting. Average price - 5300 rubles.

High density background: width - 3 m, length - 6 m, weight - 4.3 kg, density - 0.25. The surface is matt.

Background cotton fabric: width - 2.7 m, length - 7 m, weight –2 kg, neutral color. Durable and lightweight material, takes up little space. Suitable for any kind of shooting. The average cost is 5600 rubles.

There is a more expensive version of such a background (bright colors) - 6800 rubles. Canvas size: width - 2.9 m, length - 7 m, weight - 2.2 kg.

Cotton background with abstract pattern. Canvas size: width - 3 m, length - 6 m. Average cost - 4600r.

Muslin (all colors): width - 3 m; length - 6 m; weight - 2.5 kg. The cost is about 5200 rubles.

Frame background with a case on a spring: a set of 2 colors (gray-blue; black-orange). Width - 150 cm, length - 200 cm (300 cm black with orange). Average price - 6800 rubles.

Background on flexible holder with special impregnation. Designed for photography studios. The color is blue. Oval shape. The width of the web is 1.48 m, the length is 2 m. The cost is 5900 rubles.

Seamless fabric background. Parameters: width - 2.7 m, length - 5 m, density - 1.86 kg per sq. m. The cost of the canvas - 6530 rubles. Designed for "gate" construction. Applicable for photo studios only.

Polystyrene black and white studio background. Very durable. Dimensions: width - 1.5 m; length - 5 m; density 0.275 kg per sq. m. Amount - 2640 rubles.

Polystyrene gray studio background. Dimensions: width - 1.5 m; length - 2.5 m; density 0.275 kg per sq. m. Amount - 1430 rubles.

Manufacturers

Top manufacturers of fabric backdrops:

• Falcon Eyes (Canada);
• FST company;
• Lastolite;
• Superior company.

Falcon Eyes is a leader among other manufacturers, having been on the market for over 20 years. Provides not only quality backgrounds but also studio equipment. Has a wide range of products in this network all over the world (EU countries and USA). Companies are located in 37 countries.

Non-woven backgrounds

The material of synthetic origin belongs to a separate category - non-woven backgrounds. They are very similar to paper models. Non-woven fabric is stored in tubes on a cardboard core. However, the visual difference is immediately apparent. They last longer than the paper type. Can be cleaned (dirt is removed with a wet cloth).

Fabric is a material made of threads (fibers) connected by thermal or chemical methods.

Non-woven fabric.

Types of nonwoven fabrics: glued and velor (velvet). Glued can be cleaned well, dries quickly. Velvet backgrounds smooth out the drop in shadows. Most often, this type of canvas is used when photographing jewelry.

The cost of a non-woven background is, on average, 30% cheaper than a paper web. Suitable for beginner photographers or hobbyists.

The advantages of non-woven backgrounds and the main advantage among other types are photography using any liquid (for example, water) and products. Backdrops dry quickly and won't deform from moisture.

The background is not intended for shooting small objects, since the manifestation of the texture of the non-woven fabric, under side lighting, is clearly manifested.

One of the drawbacks is the discrepancy between the color gamut of the canvas on the monitor and its actual color.

Specifications

Nonwoven fabrics are available in all colors and shades.These are inexpensive models, the cost of which, in most cases, does not depend on the choice of color.

Non-woven fabric with a colored velvet-like coating - there is a velor background that does not create glare during shooting.

Suppliers

Suppliers of large and well-known companies most often have a wide range of products in their arsenal. Therefore, it is not surprising that one company can be a leader in two or more positions. Suppliers of non-woven backgrounds for photography studios are the following companies:

• Lumifor;
• Superior;
• FST.

The best manufacturer is Lumifor.

Studio background "chromakey"

The chromakey background color range is made up of two colors: green and blue. Green is most often used.

Chromakey fabric background.

The essence of shooting the option under consideration is to replace it with another color background. Those. the captured image against the background of the chroma key, using a computer program, is transferred to any other. This cuts out the background itself, not the image. Simply put, chroma key is a technique for combining multiple images.

Chroma key backdrops are available in either thick paper or fabric and have a wide range of sizes in the arsenal.

Types of chroma key backgrounds:

• Rolls;
• On a spring;
• Frameless.

Roll type refers to a paper base.

Spring fabrics resemble an oval or circle. They fold quickly, take up few places.

Specifications

Chromakey paper background: width - 2.72 m; length - 11 m; weight - 6 kg, color green. The average cost is 4900 rubles. Purpose: for photo studios or home filming.

Green transformer chromakey background: width - 1.6 m; weight - 6 kg; back length - 2.4 m; lower part length - 2 m. Average price - 14800 rubles.

Green fabric background chromakey-transformer: width - 1.8 m; weight - 6 kg; backdrop length –4 m; Average price - 9640 rubles.

The fabric is stretched over an aluminum frame. It is possible to control the slope angle. Easy to assemble. Convenient background for transferring to the street or other premises.

Chromakey background with green folding frame: size 4 m. Can be disassembled into three aluminum panels. Suitable for filming large groups. Folds easily and fits into the car. Cost - 4000 rubles.

Double-sided green chroma key on one side and blue on the other: 3 m by 7 m, cost - 6400 rubles. It is considered a versatile option.

Double-sided background "Chromakey" on the frame.

Green chromakey (fabric). Width - 2.4 m; length - 5 m. The frame for installation is purchased separately. Price - 5280 rubles.

Double-sided chroma key background. Size 240 x 240 cm, diameter 92 cm (folded). Cost - 6840 rubles. The presence of a spring frame allows it to be expanded in a matter of seconds. You do not need to use additional equipment by placing the background against the wall. There is a special storage pouch.

Cotton fabric for the background of the chroma key in blue: width - 3 m; length - 7 m. Cost 6490 rubles. The background is painted with paint that is abrasion resistant. Easy to clean, non-reflective.

Double-sided fabric chroma key in blue and green colors. Suitable for video filming and photography. Size: length - 7 m; width - 2.4 m. average cost - 6740 rubles.

Blue paper chromakey: 2.72 m wide; length - 11 m; price - 5940 rubles. Suitable for both photography studios and hobbyists. The width is easily adjustable (extra centimeters are cut off).

Double-sided fabric chromakey blue and green: Dimensions in centimeters: width - 180; length - 210; weight - 4 kg; diameter (folded) - 72. The spring background can be easily expanded without forming folds. The presence of the cover allows it to be conveniently transported and protected from dirt.

Double-sided fabric background "Chromakey" in blue and green colors.

Suppliers

A large number of different companies are involved in the creation of chroma key backgrounds. The background in question is common among photographers due to its unique characteristics. The popularity of these models has not only earned trust in photography, but is also an ideal option for video filming.

List of companies producing studio background chromakeys:

• Lastolite;
• GreenBean (China);
• Movie Yeah (Russia);
• Westcott;
• Savage.

The leading companies in this business are: GreenBean and Movie Yeah. The Russian company has been on the market for almost 8 years. Movie Yeah is a reliable supplier. Has established itself from the best side. The company is rich in its products not only in the choice of studio backgrounds, but also in equipment for them. Products are delivered all over the world.

The Chinese company is known in the market not only for the supply of high-quality equipment and backgrounds for studios, but also, if necessary, additional spare parts. GreenBean is one of those who provide their information about the product via Internet resources (for example, for a buyer via Skype).

Plastic backgrounds

Plastic backgrounds are plates made of polymer compounds (plastic). The main style of working with such backgrounds is subject art photography. Because of this feature, plastic backgrounds have received the status of a monopoly (no competition) in the studio backdrop market.

Plastic backgrounds.

The lack of texture as such allows you to shoot close-ups.

Plastic backgrounds are divided into two types: matte and glossy. The functionality of glossy plastic materials is the legend of subject objects shot against their background, the special effect of reflection.

Advantages of plastic backgrounds:

• Light scattering;
• Resistant to abrasion;
• Resistant to water;
• Economical;
• Easy to clean;
• Long service life.

In order to highlight the subject against a plastic background, they are illuminated from below. This creates a spot of light that emphasizes the working element.

Since the background is resistant to water, it is used for water photo shoots or video filming.

The main problem is the appearance of scratches. And when shooting close-up, this damage is very noticeable. Therefore, you need to be careful with the background.

A plastic backdrop is used in small studios. Examples of these are ID photo studios.

Specifications

Manufacturers

• Superior is the most popular company: a rich palette, a wide range of sizes;
• Colorama - the quality standard in the world market;
• Superior - the quality of the product is equivalent to the manufacturer Colorama (the same company, different brands), but in the middle price segment it surpasses its creator;
• FST (China);
• Foba is the most expensive manufacturer;
• Fotokvant (Russia).

Backdrops for photo studios

It is worth describing the settings for different backgrounds in more detail and explaining their purpose.

Automatic lift

Automatic lift with ceiling mount for multiple backgrounds.

The system mount is suitable for both ceiling and wall. Allows you to mount 3.55m x 3m paper backdrops.Also allows you to mount two 2.27m vinyl backgrounds or one 3.55m x 12m background.

A detachable handle is used to raise and lower the background. The system itself fixes the installed background at the desired height.

The structure is sold in assembled kits or in separate parts, which allows you to create your own systems.

System weight 2 kg. Manufacturer - Colorama Rolleasy (UK). This design is the only one on the market that supports paper backdrops.

Gate system

An example of a "gate" studio equipment system.

This system is regularly improved. Various novelties from different manufacturers are released. The most popular is the Manfrotto system (Italy). It is versatile. Suitable for setting any background.

The set consists of a telescopic bar for three sections, 2 stands, 2 spring clips and a bag for transportation.

System characteristics: weight 4.2 kg; minimum height 2.37 m; folded along the length of the rack 86 cm; black color.

System "Three backgrounds"

An example of a suspension system for three backgrounds.

The development belongs to the FST company (China). This system allows you to mount 3 canvases, up to 3.86 m wide.

The structure includes 2 stands, three crossbars, a carrying bag.

Maximum lifting height - 4.1 m, packed length - 97 cm. Cost - 10800 rubles.

Bracket system

Suspension system for paper backgrounds.

The installation consists of holders and brackets. It is intended for fixing the 1st background (paper), which is wound on a rigid pipe.

Pipe diameter from 40 to 60 mm.

This system is suitable for on-site photo sessions.

The manufacturer of the unit is Lumifor.

The cost is about 1860 rubles.

Suspension system

Suspension system for plastic background.

The design is designed for installing plastic backgrounds.

The system is designed for small photo studios, field work, home conditions.

The mobile holder has a design that allows you to save the maximum amount of free space in the room.

The system manufacturer is FST.

The cost of goods is 2280 rubles.

"T-shaped" holder

"T-shaped" plastic background holder.

This system is intended for paper, plastic or fabric backgrounds on the frame.

The cost of the rack is 2600 rubles.

Design characteristic: max height of telescopic rack 2 m; the presence of a clip measuring 1 m; there is a central mount for installing the clip with the background on the stand (1 pc).

System "Expan"

An example of a twisting principle system.

This setting is for paper backdrops.

Its accessories: bracket for 4 holders (2 pcs.), I.e. the ability to hang 4 backgrounds; the rest of the components are included (4 pcs each) - holders; plastic chains and weights for them. The inner diameter of the supporting pipe is from 46 to 78 mm.

The work of the structure is based on a twisting system (expan).

The cost of goods is 5280 rubles.

Output

The above attachment systems are a small part of those on the market. Only the main ones are indicated. Which system is better to buy is hard to say. This is influenced by various factors: type of background, installation location, etc.

Choosing studio backgrounds and systems for them

The criteria for choosing studio backgrounds and equipment for them lend themselves to general laws:

• Cost;
• Quality;
• Lifetime;
• Product dimensions;
• Manufacturer's choice.

The cost of studio backdrops can have a large run-up. The most budgetary models are non-woven fabric. Further, in ascending order, are paper backgrounds, fabric, chroma key. Backgrounds for product photography (for example, velor) are not taken into consideration. However, there are options, the price segment of which is intertwined with other types of backgrounds for filming.

High quality materials are often accompanied by high costs. However, there are cases when the quality of the products is the same, but the cost is different. A striking example of this is the products of Colorama and Superior (a new brand from Colorama).

In terms of operation, the most durable are chromakey backgrounds, plastic and fabric. The second step is occupied by non-woven backgrounds, followed by paper ones. Disadvantages of paper backgrounds: have the lowest quality mark, not moisture resistant.

Product dimensions play an important role for photo studios. If the room is small, then the equipment and backgrounds should match it, and so in the case of huge studios. If shooting is for departure, then all the nuances should be taken into account: the size of the equipment, the occupied area, the convenience during transportation.

The choice of the manufacturer of the goods. There is always a problem, which company is the best background and equipment to take? Having decided on the studio background, it is best to buy equipment for it from the same manufacturer.

Purchase of studio backgrounds and systems for them

An example of a photo studio.

Today it is not difficult to buy a studio background and equipment for it. Even if in the region where the studio is located, there are no stores with the necessary goods, then you can turn to the Internet.

How much does a store item cost? The cost of backgrounds varies in different ways:

• Paper: from 4000-6200 rubles;
• Fabric: from 4600-6850 rubles, and small sizes from 1400 rubles to 2800 rubles;
• Non-woven fabrics: from 930 to 3700 rubles;
• Chroma key backgrounds: 5000-15000 rubles;
• Plastic: from 620 to 3000 rubles.

If you order through online stores, then the amount for the product will be lower, but you will have to pay for delivery, and this may exceed the background cost. There are both free shipping and promotions for the product. You can purchase backgrounds by installments (you will have to overpay).

In real stores, a guarantee is given for the goods, not everywhere, that cannot be said about the Internet resource. If you buy products in bulk, then they are cheaper, but there is not always the amount of necessary funds for it.

Where to buy equipment of the day for studio backgrounds? It is best to buy all systems in real stores so that you can check all the elements for defects.

The most common models are suspended posts. They are suitable for any type of studio backdrop, easy to assemble, take up little space, lightweight and easy to carry, allowing you to work in studios and on the road.

The rating among manufacturers of high-quality systems is annually replenished, however, the following companies keep their leading positions: Manfrotto and FST.